I think I have MS...Insight needed.
 

My symptoms began last September. Suddenly my legs felt rubbery, and the left leg would experience intermittent feelings of restlessness...like I wanted to shake it out or sit on it. My arms seemed to be a bit shaky also, but the left arm seemed more shaky when reaching for coffee, etc. Then there was a period of what felt like improvement. Then recently, like 2 months ago, I began experiencing a pinch-type feeling on my body. They almost felt like a tiny single pin pricks. Then that symptom almost disappeared entirely. Now I get random areas of goosebumps. They feel just like goosebumps but I don't see any actual goosebumps. My right ankle now occasionally feels tight. I've had random patches of pain on forearms, hand, back, legs. They'll last about 2 minutes then disappear. I don't know if all these symptoms are related or not. Yes, I do have nerve issues in arms b/c of long periods of laptop use. I also have sciatic issues. I also have had 3 big panic attacks in the last year.

My oldest symptoms (since 2011) that come and go are a tired feeling in the back of my neck, a foggy feeling and a strange itch on my inner thigh.

I did see my general physician and she sort of brushed off MS, but I am not so convinced. Any insight would be greatly appreciated!!

hello and welcome to NT,

MS is a very individualized disease and can cause many different sx's (symptoms) in each of us. dx'ing (diagnosing) MS can take some time. it's also a process of elimination of other illnesses.

start to keep a sx journal with dates and what you notice. when you see your dr bring it with you. you are your own best advocate so keep telling your dr when you don't feel right.

keep in touch and let us know how you are.

Thank you. That's a good idea.

Welcome to NeuroTalk Pat..:p So sorry for you illness and symptoms of
MS/Neuro disorder. Yes it could be MS. It could also be something else.

You should see a Neuro for the proper tests and DX. Preferably a MS
specialist.Please let us know how your diognosis journey goes. It may
take some time. We are right here for you..:hug:

Thank you, Sally :)

MY ex. family doctor said that " ohhhh that's not MS... even though my CRP was super high and I went to him for couple of times regarding numbness in my hands".. GET A SECOND OPINION!! and don't tell the first doctor that you have seen other doctors regarding this issue.

Have them do an MRI... or at least blood test on measuring ESR & CRP.

Best of luckk!!

As NurseNancy stated, a symptom journal is an important tool to keep track of what goes on, and for how long. The only thing is...try not to get too obsessed about it. It can take over your days.
Eat good food, try to get some sort of activity and rest. Live life to your fullest. And be proactive regarding your health. If you feel that these symptoms and signs aren't being addressed by your general doctor, then see how you can get an opinion from a specialist.
Keep us up to date about what's going on, and welcome to NT. Lots of info, hugs and an occasional giggle or two as well here!:)

Thank you. You all seem like caring people!

Hey simple painless starting point- have your dr write a script for mri of brain & c-spine stating possible MS, numbness issues.
Takes 1 day for MRI, take copy of cd home & find out that night. I did.

Welcome to NT!

Keeping a symptom journal is a great idea! I would also add to what Nurse Nancy said that you want to put an end date or time to the symptoms. That is important too in the dx process.

I don't know what kind of insurance you have but if you need a referral to see a specialist, as most insurances seem to require now, get one from your primary care doctor for a neurologist. Ask around for a good neurologist in your area and if they see MS patients.

An MRI with and without contrast of the brain and spine is important. Please request that when you talk with your dr. Your primary care can set up the MRI.

Good luck as you go through the process of finding a dx for your symptoms. Please let us know how you are doing and what the dr. say.:hug::hug:

Take copy of the CD home? If I request that at my MRI next week, will they likely look at me like I'm crazy or will they actually give me a copy that day?

They've given me a copy before and I didn't even have to ask. I think they probably will.

MRI's
 

Hi Pickle-

I had my most recent MRI of the brain and of the c-spine, taken with and without contrast, last fall at my local hospital.

I was immediately handed a cd of each film's results. For some reason I could view the brain films, but I just couldn't view the c-spine cd except for the "microfilm" pics - the teensy ones. I just couldn't get them to enlarge on my pc. It was probably because my pc's not the newest ... I'm still on Vista! :eek:

My last mri's before that were probably 8-10 years ago. I don't think anyone got copies back then. But I did request a copy of the written report after they were read back then. At that time, it seemed pretty depressing:

Brain film: Lesions (white spots) "too numerous to count". Scary quote.

But guess what? After many years with MS, not ONE of those numerous lesions have caused even the tiniest of my MS symptoms! In my case, my problems have all been caused by several larger lesions along my C and T spine. I've found that's typical for PP MS'ers.

Good luck to you. You've come to the right place for support, experience and knowledge about MS.

MsBluIs